Michaels

I really wasn’t sure what to rate this store. Sometimes my shopping experience at this particular store is great. Other times, it has been pretty bad.
This store is clean, and organized. Except the clearanced section which is very hard to look through. If you grab one thing, you risk an entire shelf worth of items falling. It’s just over stuffed. And that makes it so frustrating! There might be really good buys in the clearance, but I’m so afraid of hundreds of things falling everywhere just because I grabbed on thing, I can rarely look to see what they have. That’s the only complaint I have about the cleanliness or organization of the store.
The next thing about this store, (and possibly other Michaels stores) is their coupon policy! Sometimes they take all my coupons. Sometimes it’s only one per transaction. I feel as though it depends upon the cashier. It’s really hit or miss.
For example, the other day, I went to Michaels and they had one coupon for 50% off one item at regular price and another coupon for 40% off one item at regular price. Both valid on that particular day. A friend had notified me of the coupons available and told me she was able to use both at the Michaels in Meriden, CT. However, on my shopping trip at this location, I was told they would only accept one. And I can say in the past at this New Britain location sometimes they have accepted more than one coupon from me (similar to the example of coupons above) and sometimes have not. (Which proves they CAN accept more than one, just sometimes they refuse to)
I know they will accept coupons that are DIFFERENT, for example, 40% off any one item at regular price plus 20% off your entire purchase including sale items (although sometimes I have been turned away, being told one coupon per transaction even with the different coupons)… My point being, I really wish there was a clear coupon policy, universally practiced/​enforced at all Michaels stores. Sure I could do multiple transactions, or come back on different days. Its just annoying to know at some stores I could get really great deals, and others I get turned down.
I’m not one of those crazy coupon ladies either. I don’t sit clipping coups and things like that, but Michaels has AMAZING deals with their coupons (check them out if you haven’t) but good luck using them. Hopefully you get one of the cashiers that accepts them all no problem.
Anyway, 3 stars because this really is a great store. Great variety of items, decent prices, amazing deals. but the clearance section is borderline dangerous with how overstocked it is. Things could fall and really hurt people if that happened. It is a MESS. And the coupons, which isn’t specific to just this Michaels. It’s a policy that isn’t consistent across all stores.

I find this store to be in the most convenient location in between New Britain, West Hartford and Farmington.
I shop here frequently for holiday supplies and decorations. Good buys are the following: simple to be made up wire or wood wreaths, ribbons, baskets, plastic pumpkins, frames and candy. I have had a number of art pieces framed and prices range depending on size of frame, glass and mounting ($ 150-​$ 500).
Overall, the store is relatively in order, the employees are friendly and helpful. There is plenty of parking and a quick access to the highway (route 9 and I84).

I LOVE this store. All I ever want to do is wander through the aisles and scoop up all the supplies for cake decorating, soap making, crocheting, painting, candle making, mosaic making, flower arranging… the list goes on. I have a lot of hobbies. I’m not particularly GOOD at any of these creative outlets but I sure spend a lot of money on them.
Anyway — this particular Michaels store is a crafter’s oasis — organized aisles, helpful staff and plenty of projects to start. I find it to have a better flow than other area craft stores (AC Moore & JoAnn Fabrics) so it’s usually my go-​to spot for art goodies.

I’m converting from an AC Moore customer to a Michael’s loyal fan club member. After my last visit I am one happy customer. I never realized how much of a big difference Michael’s was from AC Moore. I used to be a huge AC Moore fan but find they are filling their stores with crappy $ 1 items.
Michael’s is bright, clean and fully stocked with a variety of decent quality items. Tons of staff members restocking the shelves went I went that evening. The sales associates will walk with you and show you exactly what you’re looking for.
Best selection of Wilton cake decorating supplies. Way cheaper than party stores and the staff is amazing. Did I mention they offer classes! They have Wilton cake decorating classes for both adults and kids. I find their classes cost a little bite more than AC Moores. They offer some basic beading classes as well. I can’t comment on the quality of those classes as I have not tried. I had a friend who took one of their Wilton cake decorating classes and she shared that she truly enjoyed it. I just can’t stand the idea of having to do «homework». I’ll have to wait for when I have free time.
In my next life aka when I retire I want to spend all day making cakes and arranging flowers. I’m pretty new to all of this and I have to say the staff comes out and introduces themselves without being pushy.
After going to multiple craft stores today I have to conclude that Michael’s has the BEST selection of tips and kits available. The prices are the same as those of other craft stores. I believe when you’re getting the Wilton brand they can’t markup the items too much. Wilton isn’t the best brand but for a beginner it works just fine. I’m not looking to becoming the a gourmet pastry chef so Wilton is what I will continue using in my kitchen and Michael’s is who I will use to supply and replace my tools.
You can check their online site for information on their classes.